give a dog a bad name

give a dog a bad name

It is very difficult to lose or change a bad reputation. A: "Ever since I failed my exam, my teacher sees me as a slacker, no matter what I do." B: "Well, give a dog a bad name, right?"
See also: bad, dog, give, name
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give a dog a bad name

it is very difficult to lose a bad reputation, even if it is unjustified.
This is a shortened version of the proverb give a dog a bad name and hang him , which was known from the early 18th century.
See also: bad, dog, give, name
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

give a dog a bad ˈname (and ˈhang him)

(saying) when a person already has a bad reputation, it is difficult to change it because others will continue to blame or suspect him/her
See also: bad, dog, give, name
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • give a dog a bad name and hang him
  • another bite at the cherry
  • another bite of the cherry
  • a second bite at the cherry
  • as many
  • days gone by
  • be living proof of (something)
  • be living proof of something
  • beat (something) into (someone's) head
  • beat into one's head